Myanmar to take back Rohingyas gradually, hopes FM

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday hoped that Myanmar will take back Rohingyas gradually as the pressure on Myanmar will be mounted following the recent adoption of resolution in the United Nations.

“I believe the pressure will be mounted on Myanmar as the resolution has been passed by consensus,” he told reporters after paying tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara.

Dr Momen said Myanmar did not say they will not take back their people. “We hope Myanmar will create a conducive environment for the voluntary return of the Rohingyas.”

The foreign minister said every country wants a peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis. “It’s great news for us that all the countries want the Rohingyas to go back to their country,” he said. The Awami League leaders, including the president and general secretary of Sylhet City Unit Awami League, also paid tribute to Bangabandhu.

Dr Momen said Myanmar has said that they will take back the Rohingyas and they have signed an agreement with Bangladesh.

He said Myanmar needs to create a conducive environment so that the Rohingyas can go back to their country on a voluntary basis. “But it’s the 5th year and they didn’t pay any heed to their words.”

Dr Momen said Bangladesh has decided to relocate some Rohingyas from Kutupalong camp to Bhasan Char in a bid to reduce the deaths caused by natural disasters.

Around 20,000 Rohingyas have been relocated to Bhasan Char.

Bangladesh has a plan to relocate 1 lakh Rohingyas to Bhasan Char in phases.

Responding to a question over border killings, the Foreign Minister said it a shame for India as the two countries agreed to stop border killings.

“I say it’s unfortunate for us and it’s shameful for them,” Dr Momen said.

He said they want no killing along the Bangladesh-India border.